What Questions Will Be Answered Before Week 1?
Digest
The Pressbox Podcast, hosted by The Ringer, delves into the world of news creation and features interviews with prominent figures. This episode focuses on the upcoming NFL season, with hosts Shield Kapati and Steven Ruiz discussing key questions surrounding various teams. The discussion begins with the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation, exploring the potential for veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy to lead the offense. They then analyze the potential for Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts' second-year quarterback, to showcase his explosive playmaking ability while overcoming his injury history. The conversation shifts to the Kansas City Chiefs' receiving corps, questioning whether Xavier Worthy can provide the deep threat they lacked last year and how the offense will evolve with a potential suspension for Kadarius Toney. Next, the hosts examine the Buffalo Bills' offensive potential, highlighting the emergence of Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and James Cook, and whether Keon Coleman can contribute as a rookie. The discussion then turns to the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive direction, wondering if they will embrace a more run-heavy approach with Joe Burrow under center, or stick with their spread-out style. Finally, the hosts examine the potential impact of new Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hathley, questioning whether he can elevate a talented but underperforming defense and what kind of scheme he will implement.
Outlines
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The Pressbox Podcast: NFL Season Preview
This episode of The Pressbox Podcast dives into the upcoming NFL season, analyzing key questions surrounding quarterback battles, offensive schemes, and defensive strategies for various teams.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Quarterback Battles and Offensive Schemes
The hosts discuss the quarterback situations for the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Kansas City Chiefs, exploring the potential for veteran and rookie quarterbacks to lead their respective offenses. They also analyze the potential for offensive schemes to evolve based on player personnel and coaching strategies.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Chiefs' Receiving Corps: A Deep Threat?
The hosts discuss the Kansas City Chiefs' receiving corps, questioning whether Xavier Worthy can provide the deep threat they lacked last year and how the offense will evolve with a potential suspension for Kadarius Toney.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Bills' Offensive Potential
The hosts examine the Buffalo Bills' offensive potential, highlighting the emergence of Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and James Cook, and whether Keon Coleman can contribute as a rookie.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Bengals' Offensive Direction
The hosts question the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive direction, wondering if they will embrace a more run-heavy approach with Joe Burrow under center, or stick with their spread-out style.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Jeff Hathley's Impact on the Packers' Defense
The hosts examine the potential impact of new Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hathley, questioning whether he can elevate a talented but underperforming defense and what kind of scheme he will implement.
Keywords
The Pressbox Podcast
A podcast hosted by The Ringer, focusing on news and its creation, featuring news shows and interviews with prominent figures in sports, politics, and pop culture.
The Ringer NFL Show
A podcast hosted by The Ringer, dedicated to covering the NFL, featuring analysis, interviews, and discussions about the league's latest news and developments.
Sam Darnold
A quarterback who has played for the Jets, Panthers, and Browns, known for his inconsistent performance and potential for both high highs and low lows.
JJ McCarthy
A rookie quarterback drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, considered a potential successor to Sam Darnold, with a high ceiling but limited experience.
Anthony Richardson
A second-year quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, known for his athleticism, strong arm, and potential for explosive plays, but also for his injury history.
Xavier Worthy
A wide receiver drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, considered a potential deep threat for Patrick Mahomes, with a high ceiling but limited experience.
Kadarius Toney
A wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his speed and agility, but also for his injury history and off-field incidents.
Dalton Kincaid
A rookie tight end for the Buffalo Bills, known for his size, athleticism, and potential for big plays, with a strong connection to Josh Allen.
Khalil Shakir
A second-year wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, known for his efficiency and ability to make plays in the slot, with a potential for increased production.
Q&A
What is the biggest question surrounding the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation?
The Vikings face a crucial decision: whether to start veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy. This decision will significantly impact the team's offensive potential and overall expectations for the season.
What are the potential outcomes for Anthony Richardson's sophomore season?
Richardson's season could be filled with optimism if he stays healthy and showcases his explosive playmaking ability. However, his injury history and recent shoulder soreness raise concerns about his availability and potential for a disappointing year.
How will the Chiefs' receiving corps evolve this season?
The Chiefs' receiving corps is a question mark, with Kadarius Toney facing a potential suspension and Xavier Worthy's readiness uncertain. The team's offensive success will depend on whether Worthy can provide the deep threat they lacked last year and how Travis Kelsey performs after a down season.
Who is the most likely player to step up on the Bills' offense?
Khalil Shakir is a strong candidate to emerge as a key contributor for the Bills, having shown impressive efficiency and production last year. His increased volume and Josh Allen's talent could lead to a breakout season.
What changes might the Bengals make to their offense this season?
The Bengals might embrace a more run-heavy approach with Joe Burrow under center, incorporating more under-center plays and run concepts to create easier explosives. This shift could be influenced by their experience with Jake Browning last year and Burrow's preference for a spread-out offense.
What are the potential impacts of Jeff Hathley's arrival as the Packers' defensive coordinator?
Hathley's impact on the Packers' defense is uncertain, but his aggressive scheme and experience in college football could elevate a talented but underperforming unit. His ability to implement a successful scheme and maximize the potential of the roster will be crucial for the Packers' success.
Show Notes
Sheil and Steven discuss three questions they each have that they believe will be answered during training camp and the preseason.
Hosts: Sheil Kapadia and Steven Ruiz
Producer: Isaiah Blakely
Additional Production Supervision: Arjuna Ramgopal and Conor Nevins
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